Name: Black Folks Soul Food Cabbage Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 4 pound cabbage (3-4 pound, chopped); 1 cup yellow onion (chopped); 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth to make vegetarian); ½ cup butter (unsalted or vegan butter); 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar; ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning); ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 tablespoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper

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If you’re craving a dish that captures the heart and soul of Southern cooking, look no further than this Black Folks Soul Food Cabbage Recipe. This recipe takes humble cabbage and transforms it into a tender, flavorful masterpiece infused with classic seasonings and buttery goodness. It’s the kind of dish that tastes like tradition on a plate, warming you up from the inside out. Perfect for family dinners or as a standout side, this recipe celebrates the rich heritage behind soul food with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients prepared for cooking, arranged on a white marbled surface. In the background, there are layers of roughly chopped light green cabbage pieces placed on a white cutting board with a red top. To the right, there are unevenly chopped white onions on a white cutting board with a blue top. In the foreground, there is a clear glass cup filled with water, next to a small clear glass bowl containing six distinct spices, including red chili flakes, black pepper, salt, and other powdery spices arranged in small piles side by side. Near the bottom right, a chunk of white block cheese rests on the blue cutting board. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients will set you up for cabbage perfection. Each one plays a critical role, whether it’s building depth of flavor, adding moisture, or balancing the natural sweetness of the cabbage.

4 pound cabbage: Choose a fresh, firm head for the best texture and flavor in this soul food classic.
1 cup yellow onion: Adds a sweet and savory base that complements the cabbage beautifully.
1 cup chicken broth: Brings rich, savory moisture to the dish; use vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist.
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar: Adds brightness and a touch of tang to balance the richness.
½ cup butter: Adds silky richness and helps meld all the flavors together perfectly.
½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning: Or substitute with Cajun seasoning to give your cabbage a spicy, aromatic kick.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle punch of garlic to enhance the savory notes.
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to give the dish some lively character without overpowering.
1 tablespoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural sweetness of the cabbage.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and complexity to the flavor profile.

How to Make Black Folks Soul Food Cabbage Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Cabbage

Start by cutting out the cabbage’s tough core and removing any outer leaves that look wilted or bruised—this ensures a clean, fresh flavor. Then coarsely chop the leaves by hand or pulse them quickly in a food processor for more even cooking.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

Set your stovetop to medium heat and add the butter to a heavy cast iron skillet or large pan. Let it melt gently until it’s fully liquid and slightly bubbling, which provides the perfect cooking base.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Skillet

Now add the chopped cabbage, onion, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together, making sure the cabbage is evenly coated with the flavorful butter and seasonings.

Step 4: Simmer Covered

Place a lid on the pan and let the cabbage simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows the cabbage to soften and absorb all those delightful seasonings. Stir it occasionally to distribute the heat and flavors evenly.

Step 5: Uncover and Finish Cooking

Remove the lid and continue to cook the cabbage uncovered for another 15 minutes or so. Keep an eye on it to prevent drying out—some broth should remain to keep the cabbage juicy and tender, not soggy or burnt.

Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy

Once the cabbage is perfectly tender and fragrant, it’s ready to serve immediately. This is soul food at its finest: simple, satisfying, and full of tradition.

How to Serve Black Folks Soul Food Cabbage Recipe

A black skillet filled with one main layer of cooked cabbage leaves that are soft and pale yellow-green with some light brown seasoning spots, mixed evenly with small bits of translucent onion, all resting in a light and slightly creamy broth. The skillet is held from both sides by a woman's hands with painted pink nails, and the whole scene is placed on a white marbled surface with a blurred background showing some dark clothing with a yellow pattern. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add a little extra flair, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top just before serving. You can also add a dash more of crushed red pepper or freshly cracked black pepper for subtle heat.

Side Dishes

This cabbage pairs amazingly well with classic Southern staples like cornbread, fried chicken, or slow-cooked pork. It also complements any plate that calls for a comforting vegetable with a bit of punch.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this Black Folks Soul Food Cabbage Recipe inside warm pita pockets with shredded smoked meat, or as a base for hearty grain bowls topped with your favorite proteins. It’s versatile enough to be a star ingredient in your soul food spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cabbage in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it great for next-day meals.

Freezing

You can freeze this cooked cabbage if needed. Place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and use within 2 months for the best taste and texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the cabbage seems dry. Stir occasionally to heat it through evenly and bring back that fresh-cooked taste.

FAQs

Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and use vegan butter instead of dairy butter. The seasonings and cooking method remain unchanged, keeping all the soul food spirit intact.

How spicy is this Black Folks Soul Food Cabbage Recipe?

The recipe has a gentle kick from the red pepper flakes and Old Bay or Cajun seasoning, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust the heat level by varying the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste.

What type of cabbage is best to use?

Green cabbage is traditional and works best here for its texture and flavor. You want a firm head without bruises. You can experiment with Savoy cabbage for a slightly different texture but keep the same cooking times.

Can I add meat to this recipe?

Yes! Many folks like to add smoked ham hocks or bacon for that smoky, savory edge. Just cook the meat first, use the drippings for added flavor, and add the cabbage and liquids afterward.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Definitely. The simple ingredients in this Black Folks Soul Food Cabbage Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a soulful and satisfying way to bring cabbage to life, this Black Folks Soul Food Cabbage Recipe is calling your name. It’s hearty, comforting, and filled with layers of flavor that honor tradition while bringing joy to your table. Don’t hesitate to try it—you might just discover your new favorite side dish!